REFLECTIONS ON GOLDINGS
After leaving Much Wenlock I came to Goldings on the 31st January, 1950. When I arrived life was mrch harder than it is now.
If you did anything wrong you were lucky to escape punishment.
The second night I was here I had my first experience of a school fire. The way everyone acted impressed me. Everyone was steady
and orderly and there was no foolish behaviour. It made me realize the truths behind a school life, but I had much more to notice.
The work was highly skilled, sports took a prominent place, and the boys appreciated anything that was done for them.
It was easy to notice a school pride and the conduct of the boys seemed very good, perhaps because the duty house was used for more
work than it is to-day. Everything seemed well organized and comparing it with my previous life, it seemed a new life, with everything
and everyone looking smart.
But comparing to-day with when I came. Does a fire practice keep to rule? How many things do you do wrong and get away with? In
1950 it seemed strange that anyone should let you off.
The work here has stayed skilled but you have had to be encouraged with bonuses. Thinking of the bonus you have worked harder.
How many of the boys appreciate what is done for them?
Who are the boys who are let off punishment for
ssmoking and never do it again? Do you do it again? Who now speaks of a pride in the school? Has every boy now got his boots
cleaned at morning prayers?